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Thumb Piano

Mbunda Sanza 7-Keys

Zambia
Mbunda

Wood, Metal
ca. Mid 20th century


Idiophone - Plucked - Lamellophone

A wooden board 7 keyed sanza of the Mbanda people of Western Zambia and Angola. The people in this region call this a "Lekembe" or "Casagi." In this region, thumb pianos are mostly played without a gourd, calabash or tin can to amplify the sound. Note the bent rode at the bottom threaded with two metal bent rings attached to achieve an extra buzzing sound when played. This was field collected by Jenna Haselton - see provenance.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDPL-21-34